As
the 20th century approaches its close, medical researchers are peering ever
deeper into the mysteries of living processes. Their investigations and
discoveries are yielding a rich harvest of information and insight, suggesting
strategies for alleviating countless ailments that afflict or kill millions of
our fellow citizens each year. National Medical Research Day, 1988, gives us
the opportunity to pause in gratitude for all that American medical research has
done through the decades to save lives and preserve health.

The
progress made by today's medical researchers is part of a long tradition in
American biomedical research. In the past century, researchers have triumphed
over such formerly deadly diseases as diphtheria, polio, and tetanus.
Furthermore, vaccines and treatments developed in America's biomedical
laboratories have helped lead to virtually global elimination of formerly
deadly epidemics such as cholera, smallpox, yellow fever, and bubonic plague.
Medical research has also resulted in the development of new drugs and surgical
procedures and improved understanding of environmental and behavioral
components of individual health. These advances have benefited Americans and
all humanity.

Such
successes occur because of our continuing commitment to such Federal agencies
as the National Institutes of Health; the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental
Health Administration; and the Centers for Disease Control, which support
studies not only in their own laboratories, but also at universities and
research institutions throughout the country; and because of the work of
academia, industry, and voluntary organizations. Such cooperation in medical
research has led to products that contribute to America's economy and to our
Nation's ability to compete successfully in international trade.

The
investment of the United States in biomedical research
continues, and so does our national commitment to training those who will
conduct this research in the years to come.

In
recognition of American medical research, the Congress, by Senate Joint
Resolution 328, has designated September 14, 1988, as ``National Medical
Research Day'' and authorized and requested the President to issue a
proclamation in observance of this day.

Now,
Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim September
14, 1988,
as National Medical Research Day, and I call upon the people of the United States and Federal, State, and
local government officials to observe this day with appropriate events and
activities.

In
Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of September,
in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundred and
thirteenth.

Ronald
Reagan

[Filed with the Office
of the Federal Register, 4:03 p.m., September 15, 1988]

Note: The proclamation
was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on September 15.